System and methods for transaction-based process management

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for transaction/file-based management of a plurality of processes associated with various jobs are provided. Through the management of discrete applications, a file distribution manager/scheduler orchestrates automated execution of different types of jobs. The processes executed for the various processes can vary based on job type, or other parameters.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This patent application is a continuation of and claims the benefit ofpriority to U.S. application Ser. No. 16/503,006, filed Jul. 3, 2019,which is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority to U.S.application Ser. No. 15/941,546, filed on Mar. 30, 2018, now U.S. Pat.No. 10,387,197, which is a continuation of and claims the benefit ofpriority to U.S. application Ser. No. 15/422,159, filed on Feb. 1, 2017,now U.S. Pat. No. 9,965,325, which is a continuation of and claims thebenefit of priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 14/527,017, filed onOct. 29, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,600,333, all of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The systems and methods described below relate generally to the field ofthe automated execution of computer processes.

BACKGROUND

Automated execution of computer processes is desirable for routineand/or repetitive tasks on a computer system. Automating such tasks canbe especially advantageous in a networked environment for which thegiven tasks must be performed. Often, manual execution of such tasks isresource intensive, cumbersome, and unreliable.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, the present disclosure is directed, in part, to acomputer-implemented method of causing execution of at least onecomputer process on a computing system. The method comprises receiving,by a job management computing system, an indication of a first pluralityof processing tasks associated with a first job type, wherein each ofthe plurality of processing tasks is associated with a respectiveallocation of processing resources. The method also comprises storing,by the job management computing system, in a data store an associationbetween the first job type and the first plurality of processing tasks.The method also comprises receiving, by the job management computingsystem, an indication of a second plurality of processing tasksassociated with a second job type, wherein each of the plurality ofprocessing tasks is associated with a respective allocation ofprocessing resources, wherein at least one of the first plurality ofprocessing tasks is the same as one of the second plurality ofprocessing tasks. The method also comprises storing, by the jobmanagement computing system, in the data store an association betweenthe second job type and the second plurality of processing tasks. Themethod also comprises grouping, by the job management computing system,the first job type and the second job type into a job grouping, whereinone of the first job type and the second job type can be executed at atime. The method also comprises receiving, by the job managementcomputing system, an electronic file as an initiation of a job. Themethod also comprises determining, by the job management computingsystem, a job type of the job based on the electronic file. The methodalso comprises causing, by the job management computing system, theexecution of the first plurality of processing tasks when the job is thefirst type of job and the second job type is not executing. The methodalso comprises, causing, by the job management computing system, theexecution of the second plurality of processing tasks when the job isthe second type of job and the first job type is not executing.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure is directed, in part, to a jobmanagement computing system. The job management computing systemcomprising computer readable medium having instructions stored thereonwhich when executed by a processor cause the processor to receive anindication of a first plurality of processing tasks associated with afirst job type, wherein each of the plurality of processing tasks isassociated with a respective allocation of processing resources. Theinstructions, when executed by a processor also cause the process tostore in a data store an association between the first job type and thefirst plurality of processing tasks. The instructions, when executed bya processor also cause the process to receive an indication of a secondplurality of processing tasks associated with a second job type, whereineach of the plurality of processing tasks is associated with arespective allocation of processing resources, wherein at least one ofthe first plurality of processing tasks is the same as one of the secondplurality of processing tasks. The instructions, when executed by aprocessor also cause the process to store in the data store anassociation between the second job type and the second plurality ofprocessing tasks, identify an initiation of a transaction and determinea job type of the transaction. The instructions, when executed by aprocessor also cause the process to group the first job type and thesecond job type into a job grouping, wherein one of the first job typeand the second job type can be executed at a time. The instructions,when executed by a processor also cause the process to, cause theexecution of the first plurality of processing tasks when thetransaction is the first type of transaction and the second job type isnot executing. The instructions, when executed by a processor also causethe process to, cause the execution of the second plurality ofprocessing tasks when the transaction is the second type of transactionand the first job type is not executing.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure is directed, in part, to a jobmanagement computing system. The job management computing systemcomprises means for receiving an indication of a first plurality ofprocessing tasks associated with a first job type, wherein each of theplurality of processing tasks is associated with a respective allocationof processing resources. The job management computing system comprisesmeans for storing in a data store an association between the first jobtype and the first plurality of processing tasks. The job managementcomputing system comprises means for receiving an indication of a secondplurality of processing tasks associated with a second job type, whereineach of the plurality of processing tasks is associated with arespective allocation of processing resources, wherein at least one ofthe first plurality of processing tasks is the same as one of the secondplurality of processing tasks. The job management computing systemcomprises means for storing in the data store an association between thefirst job type and the first plurality of processing tasks. The jobmanagement computing system comprises means for grouping the first jobtype and the second job type into a job grouping, wherein one of thefirst job type and the second job type can be executed at a time. Thejob management computing system comprises means for identifying aninitiation of a transaction. The job management computing systemcomprises means for determining a job type of the transaction. The jobmanagement computing system comprises means for causing the execution ofthe first plurality of processing tasks when the transaction is thefirst type of transaction and the second job type is not executing. Thejob management computing system comprises means for causing theexecution of the second plurality of processing tasks when thetransaction is the second type of transaction and the first job type isnot executing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of an example job management computingsystem in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts an example user interface displaying a dashboard formanaging jobs in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts an example job log that can be displayed on a dashboard.

FIG. 4 depicts an example error log that can be displayed on adashboard.

FIG. 5 depicts an example parameter set for an example job.

FIG. 6 depicts an example edit job definition window for an example job.

FIG. 7 depicts an example parameter sets window illustrating a pluralityof parameter sets associated with an example job.

FIG. 8 depicts an edit job parameter set window to edit a plurality ofparameter sets associated with an example job.

FIG. 9 depicts an example scheduling interface for adding or editing ajob's schedule.

FIG. 10 depicts an edit schedule window for a first schedule type.

FIG. 11 depicts an edit schedule window for a second schedule type.

FIG. 12 depicts an edit schedule window for a third schedule type.

FIG. 13 depicts an edit schedule window for a fourth schedule type.

FIG. 14 depicts an edit schedule window for a fifth schedule type.

FIG. 15 depicts example computing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now bedescribed to provide an overall understanding of the principles of thestructure, function, and use of systems and methods disclosed herein forthe automated management of jobs in a computing environment. One or moreexamples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in theselected examples disclosed and described in detail with reference madeto FIGS. 1-15 in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill inthe art will understand that systems and methods specifically describedherein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limitingembodiments. The features illustrated or described in connection withone non-limiting embodiment may be combined with the features of othernon-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intendedto be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

The systems, apparatuses, devices, and methods disclosed herein aredescribed in detail by way of examples and with reference to thefigures. The examples discussed herein are examples only and areprovided to assist in the explanation of the apparatuses, devices,systems and methods described herein. None of the features or componentsshown in the drawings or discussed below should be taken as mandatoryfor any specific implementation of any of these the apparatuses,devices, systems or methods unless specifically designated as mandatory.For ease of reading and clarity, certain components, modules, or methodsmay be described solely in connection with a specific figure. In thisdisclosure, any identification of specific techniques, arrangements,etc. are either related to a specific example presented or are merely ageneral description of such a technique, arrangement, etc.Identifications of specific details or examples are not intended to be,and should not be, construed as mandatory or limiting unlessspecifically designated as such. Any failure to specifically describe acombination or sub-combination of components should not be understood asan indication that any combination or sub-combination is not possible.It will be appreciated that modifications to disclosed and describedexamples, arrangements, configurations, components, elements,apparatuses, devices, systems, methods, etc. can be made and may bedesired for a specific application. Also, for any methods described,regardless of whether the method is described in conjunction with a flowdiagram, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified orrequired by context, any explicit or implicit ordering of stepsperformed in the execution of a method does not imply that those stepsmust be performed in the order presented but instead may be performed ina different order or in parallel.

Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “someembodiments,” “one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one exampleembodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with any embodimentis included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases“in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,”“some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment, or “in anembodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarilyall referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particularfeatures, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitablemanner in one or more embodiments.

Throughout this disclosure, references to components or modulesgenerally refer to items that logically can be grouped together toperform a function or group of related functions. Like referencenumerals are generally intended to refer to the same or similarcomponents. Components and modules can be implemented in software,hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The term “software”is used expansively to include not only executable code, for examplemachine-executable or machine-interpretable instructions, but also datastructures, data stores and computing instructions stored in anysuitable electronic format, including firmware, and embedded software.The terms “information” and “data” are used expansively and includes awide variety of electronic information, including executable code;content such as text, video data, and audio data, among others; andvarious codes or flags. The terms “information,” “data,” and “content”are sometimes used interchangeably when permitted by context. It shouldbe noted that although for clarity and to aid in understanding someexamples discussed herein might describe specific features or functionsas part of a specific component or module, or as occurring at a specificlayer of a computing device (for example, a hardware layer, operatingsystem layer, or application layer), those features or functions may beimplemented as part of a different component or module or operated at adifferent layer of a communication protocol stack. Those of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize that the systems, apparatuses, devices,and methods described herein can be applied to, or easily modified foruse with, other types of equipment, can use other arrangements ofcomputing systems such as client-server distributed systems, and can useother protocols, or operate at other layers in communication protocolstacks, than are described.

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of an example job management computingsystem 10 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. The jobmanagement computing system 10 can include a file distributionmanager/scheduler 20 that generally loads and manages various businessprocesses, shown as jobs 12. A job can generally be defined as asequence of structured or semi-structured tasks that are performed inseries or in parallel by two or more applications to reach a commongoal. The applications can be executed on computing systems that aregenerally local to the job management computing system 10, or theapplications can be executed by third party service providers or otherentities that are in electronic communication with the job managementcomputing system 10. In any event, a job is a sequence of processes ortasks indicating the plurality of things that must be accomplished. Onetask alone does not necessarily constitute a job. The sequence of tasksis structured or semi-structured such that there is some logic to aprocess and, accordingly, the tasks are not performed on a purely ad hocbasis. The tasks can be performed in series or in parallel based uponthe logic of the job and as controlled by the file distributionmanager/scheduler 20, as described in more detail below. In the contextof computing systems associated with prepaid payment vehicle space,example jobs can generate prepaid payment cards for a particular list ofcardholders supplied by a customer, load funds onto a plurality ofprepaid payment cards, and so forth.

As shown in FIG. 1 , different types of jobs 12 can be characterized byvarious processes that are performed either in parallel or in sequenceto achieve a certain goal. Merely for the purposes of illustration, JobA is characterized by the execution of process 1, process 7 and process8; Job B is characterized by the execution of process 3 and process 5;and Job C is characterized by the execution of process 1, process 3 andprocess 5. The association of the jobs to affiliated processes can bestored in a data store 30 of the job management computing system 10, asdepicted by the jobs data 32. While Job A, Job B and Job C are shown inFIG. 1 , it is to be appreciated that hundreds or even thousands ofdifferent types of jobs, as defined by their processes, can be stored bythe job management computing system 10.

A file 14 is shown being electronically submitted to an inboundrepository 16. As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the file 14 isassociated with Job A. The transmission of the file 14 to the jobmanagement computing system 10 can initiate processing and can be anysuitable type of file, such as a text file, a comma separated valuefile, an extensible markup language file, and so forth. In the contextof automated prepaid payment card generation, for example, the file 14can include cardholder names, card holder social security numbers, orother information needed to perform the card generation, or at least asan input to one of the processes of the job. The file 14 can besubmitted through any suitable interface allowing for electroniccommunication. One example merchant interface is provided via aweb-based portal.

Based on a characteristic, attribute or metadata of the file 14, such asa file type, a naming convention, and/or metadata, the file distributionmanager/scheduler 20 can ascertain the type of job to be performed. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the file distribution manager/scheduler 20determines that Job A is to be performed. The submission of the file 14to an inbound repository 16 begins the job process and the filedistribution manager/scheduler 20 then manages the subsequent processingsuch that all of the required processes (i.e., processes 1, 7 and 8) areexecuted to perform the desired outcome associated with Job A. Forpedagogical purposes, Job A will be described in the context of aprepaid card creation job. As such, the file 14 comprises informationgermane to creating prepaid cards for a plurality of cardholders, suchas a cardholder names, social security numbers, birthdays, addresses,and so forth.

Upon receiving the file 14 and determining the appropriate processingfor the data included in the file, the file distributionmanager/scheduler 20 causes the execution of process 1. Depending on theavailability of the resources associated with process 1, or based on aschedule, the file distribution manager/scheduler 20 can optionally waitto execute the process 1 associated with Job A. Process 1 in theillustrated embodiment generates a plurality of unique payment cardnumbers, with each payment card number associated with an individualidentified in the file 14. Depending on the type of process needing tobe performed, the process can be performed by any suitable computingsystem and/or application.

Next, now that that payment card numbers have been generated by process1, the next process of Job A is called, as stored in the data store 30.In the illustrated embodiment, the next process of Job A is process 8.Process 8 can be, for example, the generation of card security codes(CSC) or card verification data (CVD) for each of the prepaid paymentcards being created by Job A. For this process, services are requiredfrom a third party, schematically shown as service 26. Process 8 can puta file in the outbound repository 18. The file distributionmanager/scheduler 20 can then route the file to the appropriate service26, such as a card security code generation service, through anysuitable messaging protocol. Upon performing the requested processing,the service 26 can return a file, or other data, to the inboundrepository 16 job management computing system 10.

Upon receiving the data from the service 26, the file distributionmanager/scheduler 20 can then cause the execution of the final processfor Job A, which is illustrated as process 4. Process 4 can be, forexample, the job that leads to the creation of the physical paymentcards. As such, process 4 can transmit information (i.e., the paymentcard numbers, the cardholder names, the card security codes) to a cardproduction facility.

As described by the foregoing operational example, the file distributionmanager/scheduler 20 generally allows for transaction/file-basedmanagement of a plurality of processes associated with various jobs.Through this management of discrete applications, the file distributionmanager/scheduler 20 can orchestrate automated execution of a largenumber of different types of jobs. The processes executed for thevarious processes can vary based on job type, or other parameters. Forexample, in some embodiments, the file distribution manager/scheduler 20can call for the execution of a second job upon the successfulcompletion of a first job. In some embodiments, the file distributionmanager/scheduler 20 can call for the execution of a job based on atemporal parameter (i.e, based on a schedule). The file distributionmanager/scheduler 20 can call for the execution of a job based on amanual input from an operator of a computing system associated with thefile distribution manager/scheduler 20. In some embodiments, variousprocesses or applications can call for sub-routines or processes. Suchsub-routines can be generally independent of the file distributionmanager/scheduler 20 or the file distribution manager/scheduler 20 canparticipate in the scheduling and execution of such sub-routines.

In some embodiments, certain jobs can be assigned to a group. The filedistribution manager/scheduler 20 can be configured such that only onejob in a particular group can execute at a time. If one job in a groupis running, and other jobs in the group are scheduled, they wait untilthe group's running job completes. In these configurations, if multiplejobs need to access the same data in a database, or other sharedresources, they will not all be attempting to access the data at thesame time.

FIG. 2 depicts an example user interface displaying a dashboard 100 formanaging jobs (such as Jobs A, B and C shown in FIG. 1 ) in accordancewith one non-limiting embodiment. The dashboard 100, or at least contentfor the dashboard, can be generated by the job management computingsystem 10. While an example dashboard 100 is depicted in FIG. 2 , theparticular layout and content of the dashboard 100 can vary withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. The dashboard 100can provide an operator with a variety of job-related information toassist with the management and execution of a large number of jobs. Forthe purposes of illustration, however, the dashboard 100 is depicted ina simplified format.

Under the jobs tab 102, a job list 114 is provided which identifies thejobs loaded into the file distribution manager/scheduler 20. Data forthe job list 114 can be pulled from, for example, the jobs data 32 indata store 30 (FIG. 1 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the “server”column indicates a server that is controlling the job is loaded. The“job name” column indicates the name of the job, which can be providedby an operator during establishment of the job. The “group” columnindicates if the job is has been assigned to a group. The “status”column indicates the current status of the job. In one embodiment,example statuses include unknown (i.e., during service startup), notrunning, running, waiting on group, and paused. The “enabled” columnindicates if a job is be scheduled by the file distributionmanager/scheduler 20. For example, if set to “true,” the job can bescheduled and ran; otherwise, the job will not run even if scheduled. Insome embodiments, the job can be run manually regardless of the value inthe “enabled” column. The “progress” column provides an indication ofthe job's progress, which can be reported by the job itself. The “nextrun time” indicates if the job is scheduled to run. If there are anyschedules that will run job, the time indicated in the “next run time”column is the next time it will be ran based on schedule. The “last runtime” column indicates the last time the job ran, either scheduled ormanual. The “timestamp” column indicates when the job status was lastupdated.

FIG. 3 depicts an example job log 130 that can be displayed on thedashboard 100 upon selection of the job log tab 104. The jog log 130 canshow, in substantially real-time, log messages generated by jobs. Theentries can be double-clicked to see more detail. For example, if themessage “job was scheduled, but not enabled” is selected by theoperator, the dashboard 100 can refer the operator to an interface inwhich the “enabled” flag for that particular job is presented so thatthe flag can be changed from “no” to “yes.” FIG. 4 depicts an exampleerror log 140 that can be displayed on the dashboard 100 upon selectionof the error tab 104.

Referring again to FIG. 2 , Job A is shown highlighted on the job list.Additional job-related functionally is accessible through the dashboard100 through selection or activation of an edit control feature 108, aparameter sets control feature 110, and a schedules control feature 112.Additionally, as shown in the job scheduler services listing 116,additional control can be offered to the operator to manually managerunning a job by way of a start/resume control feature 118, a pausecontrol feature 120 and a stop control feature 122. Activation ofvarious control features are described in more detail below.

In some embodiments, clicking on or otherwise selecting the start/resumecontrol feature 118 will start the job if it is not running, or resumethe job if is it paused. If the job is not running, a graphical displayof a parameter set associated with the job can be displayed. Referringto FIG. 5 , an example parameter set 200 for an example job, shown as“Test Job Default,” is illustrated. The value for the various parameterscan be stored in the data store 30 and utilized by the file distributionmanager/scheduler 20 during the execution of the job. The parameter set200 can be populated with the job's configured default parameters. Someparameters may be required parameters and must be set to run the job. Asparameters are entered by an operator, the parameters can be validatedby the job management computing system 10. For example, if an invalidlyformatted email address is entered in the “Sample RegEx Parameter”field, an error will be displayed. Once the parameters are entered, orotherwise approved by the operator, the job will be run using theparameter set.

Referring again to FIG. 2 , the pause control feature 120 can be enabledif the selected job is running. Activation of the pause control feature120 will pause the selected job, if it was written to be pausable.Activation of the stop control feature 122 will stop the selected job.

Activating the edit control feature 108 allows the selected jobdefinition to be altered. FIG. 6 depicts an example edit job definitionwindow 300 that can be displayed to an operator. Through interactionswith this window 300, the job can be enabled/disabled and the defaultparameters can be configured. The job can also be added to an existinggroup, shown as Group X and Group Y, or a new job group can be created.

In some embodiments, a job can have multiple sets of parameters, each ofwhich can be scheduled independently. FIG. 7 depicts an exampleparameter sets window 400 illustrating a plurality of parameter setsassociated with an example job. Each parameter set can be edited, asdepicted by the edit job parameter set window 500 in FIG. 8 . In someembodiments, a reset to system defined defaults control feature 502 canbe provided to the operator.

Referring against to FIG. 2 , activation of schedules control feature112 can allow an operator to configure the selected job's schedules.FIG. 9 depicts an example scheduling interface 600 for adding or editinga job's schedule. In one embodiment, there are a variety of scheduletypes, such as once, interval, daily, weekly, and monthly. The schedulescan have various properties. FIGS. 10-14 depict the edit schedulewindows for a variety of example schedules which can be displayed to theoperator upon the selection of the edit control feature 602 depicted inFIG. 9 . FIG. 10 depicts an edit schedule window 700 for a “once”schedule type. FIG. 11 depicts an edit schedule window 720 for an“interval” schedule type. FIG. 12 depicts an edit schedule window 740for a “daily” schedule type. FIG. 13 depicts an edit schedule window 760for a “weekly” schedule type. FIG. 14 depicts an edit schedule window780 for a “monthly” schedule type.

Referring now to the edit schedule window 700 for a “once” schedule typeof FIG. 10 , a one-time schedule can be created to run the job at aspecific time, and then the schedule will be disabled. Referring now tothe edit schedule window 720 for an “interval” schedule type of FIG. 11, an interval schedule can run a job on an interval of seconds, minutes,or other temporal interval. Referring now to the edit schedule window740 for a “daily” schedule type of FIG. 12 , a daily schedule will run ajob at the same time of day, recurring for a certain number of days.Referring now to the edit schedule window 760 for a “weekly” scheduletype of FIG. 13 , a weekly schedule can be configured to run a job oncertain days of the week, at the same time of day, and recurring for aspecified number of days. Referring now to the edit schedule window 780for a “monthly” schedule type of FIG. 14 , a monthly schedule will run ajob in specified months, specified days of the month, at the same timeof day.

In the illustrated embodiments, each schedule can be enabled ordisabled, as indicated by a selection of an “is enabled?” controlfeature. The schedules can also be configured so that if a job did notrun on schedule because the service was down, it will run as soon as thefile distribution manager/scheduler 20 evaluates the status and detectsthe “next run time” is in the past. Each schedule can optionally beprovided with a “valid from” date to indicate the start time of theschedule. For Once, Daily, Weekly, and Monthly schedules, the time ofday will be used to run the schedule's job. Each schedule can beprovided with a “valid to” day to indicate a date and time when theschedule will automatically be disabled. In some embodiments, aselection of a particular holiday group can be selected to identify alist of holidays on which to skip running the schedule's job. Finally,the “parameter set” of the schedule indicates a specific parameter setto use when scheduling a job.

In some embodiments, a job cannot run more than once at a time. Since ajob can have multiple schedules, however, it is possible that theschedules would cause a job to start again while it is still runningfrom a previous schedule. The file distribution manager/scheduler 20 canmitigate this situation by evaluating which particular parameter set isbeing used in the current run of the job. If the job is scheduled to runagain with the same parameter set as the current run, the new run can bediscarded. If the job is scheduled to run again with a differentparameter set than the current run, the new run can be queued and willstart when the current run completes.

The processes described above can be performed on or between one or morecomputing devices. Referring now to FIG. 15 , an example computingdevice 800 is presented. A computing device 800 can be a server, acomputing device that is integrated with other systems or subsystems, amobile computing device, a cloud-based computing capability, and soforth. The computing device 800 can be any suitable computing device aswould be understood in the art, including without limitation, a customchip, an embedded processing device, a tablet computing device, the jobmanagement computing system 10, any computing system associated with thefile distribution manager/scheduler 20, a computer system associatedwith the service 26, a personal data assistant (PDA), a desktop, alaptop, a microcomputer, a minicomputer, a server, a mainframe, or anyother suitable programmable device. In various embodiments disclosedherein, a single component can be replaced by multiple components andmultiple components can be replaced by a single component to perform agiven function or functions. Except where such substitution would not beoperative, such substitution is within the intended scope of theembodiments.

The computing device 800 includes a processor 802 that can be anysuitable type of processing unit, for example a general purpose centralprocessing unit (CPU), a reduced instruction set computer (RISC), aprocessor that has a pipeline or multiple processing capabilityincluding having multiple cores, a complex instruction set computer(CISC), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specificintegrated circuits (ASIC), a programmable logic devices (PLD), and afield programmable gate array (FPGA), among others. The computingresources can also include distributed computing devices, cloudcomputing resources, and virtual computing resources in general.

The computing device 800 also includes one or more memories 806, forexample read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), cache memoryassociated with the processor 802, or other memories such as dynamic RAM(DRAM), static ram (SRAM), programmable ROM (PROM), electricallyerasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, a removable memory card or disk, asolid state drive, and so forth. The computing device 800 also includesstorage media such as a storage device that can be configured to havemultiple modules, such as magnetic disk drives, floppy drives, tapedrives, hard drives, optical drives and media, magneto-optical drivesand media, compact disk drives, Compact Disk Read Only Memory (CD-ROM),Compact Disk Recordable (CD-R), Compact Disk Rewriteable (CD-RW), asuitable type of Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) or Blu-Ray disk, and soforth. Storage media such as flash drives, solid state hard drives,redundant array of individual disks (RAID), virtual drives, networkeddrives and other memory means including storage media on the processor802, or memories 806 are also contemplated as storage devices. It can beappreciated that such memory can be internal or external with respect tooperation of the disclosed embodiments. It can be appreciated thatcertain portions of the processes described herein can be performedusing instructions stored on a computer-readable medium or media thatdirect a computer system to perform the process steps. Non-transitorycomputer-readable media, as used herein, comprises all computer-readablemedia except for transitory, propagating signals.

Network and communication interfaces 808 can be configured to transmitto, or receive data from, other computing devices 800 across a network812. The network and communication interfaces 808 can be an Ethernetinterface, a radio interface, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, orany other suitable communications interface and can include receivers,transmitter, and transceivers. For purposes of clarity, a transceivercan be referred to as a receiver or a transmitter when referring to onlythe input or only the output functionality of the transceiver. Examplecommunication interfaces 808 can include wired data transmission linkssuch as Ethernet and TCP/IP. The communication interfaces 808 caninclude wireless protocols for interfacing with private or publicnetworks 812. For example, the network and communication interfaces 808and protocols can include interfaces for communicating with privatewireless networks 812 such as a Wi-Fi network, one of the IEEE 802.11xfamily of networks, or another suitable wireless network. The networkand communication interfaces 808 can include interfaces and protocolsfor communicating with public wireless networks 812, using for examplewireless protocols used by cellular network providers, including CodeDivision Multiple Access (CDMA) and Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM). A computing device 800 can use network andcommunication interfaces 808 to communicate with hardware modules suchas a database or data store, or one or more servers or other networkedcomputing resources. Data can be encrypted or protected fromunauthorized access.

In various configurations, the computing device 800 can include a systembus 810 for interconnecting the various components of the computingdevice 800, or the computing device 800 can be integrated into one ormore chips such as programmable logic device or application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC). The system bus 810 can include a memorycontroller, a local bus, or a peripheral bus for supporting input andoutput devices 804, and communication interfaces 808. Example input andoutput devices 804 include keyboards, keypads, gesture or graphicalinput devices, motion input devices, touchscreen interfaces, one or moredisplays, audio units, voice recognition units, vibratory devices,computer mice, and any other suitable user interface.

The processor 802 and memory 806 can include nonvolatile memory forstoring computer-readable instructions, data, data structures, programmodules, code, microcode, and other software components for storing thecomputer-readable instructions in non-transitory computer-readablemediums in connection with the other hardware components for carryingout the methodologies described herein. Software components can includesource code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, staticcode, dynamic code, encrypted code, or any other suitable type of codeor computer instructions implemented using any suitable high-level,low-level, object-oriented, visual, compiled, or interpreted programminglanguage.

These and other embodiments of the systems and methods can be used aswould be recognized by those skilled in the art. The above descriptionsof various systems and methods are intended to illustrate specificexamples and describe certain ways of making and using the systemsdisclosed and described here. These descriptions are neither intended tobe nor should be taken as an exhaustive list of the possible ways inwhich these systems can be made and used. A number of modifications,including substitutions of systems between or among examples andvariations among combinations can be made. Those modifications andvariations should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in this areaafter having read this disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method of causingexecution of at least one computer process on a computing system, themethod comprising: receiving, by a job management computing system, anindication of a first plurality of processing tasks associated with afirst job of a first job type; receiving, by the job managementcomputing system, an indication to initiate the first job of the firstjob type; receiving, by the job management computing system, a firstplurality of parameters associated with the first job; prompting, by thejob management computing system, execution of the first plurality ofprocessing tasks; receiving, by the job management computing system, anindication of a second plurality of processing tasks associated with asecond job of a second job type; receiving, by the job managementcomputing system, an indication to initiate the second job of the secondjob type; receiving, by the job management computing system, a secondplurality of parameters associated with the second job; determining, bythe job management computing system, that the first job type is the sameas the second job type; displaying an edit control feature of the jobmanagement computing system, the edit control feature indicating one ormore of: the first job of the first job type, the second job of thesecond job type, the first plurality of parameters, the second pluralityof parameters, a first allocation of processing resources associatedwith the first job, and a second allocation of processing resourcesassociated with the second job; receiving, from the edit controlfeature, one or more changes to a set of parameters comprising the firstplurality of parameters and the second plurality of parameters, whereinthe one or more changes remove one or more processing resources incommon; and upon receiving the one or more changes to the set ofparameters, executing, by the job management computing system, the firstplurality of processing tasks and the second plurality of processingtasks.
 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the firstplurality of processing tasks comprises a first processing task, asecond processing task, and a third processing task, wherein prompting,by the job management computing system, the execution of the firstplurality of processing tasks comprises: prompting one of the firstprocessing task, the second processing task, and the third processingtask to be executed based on a real-time availability of processingresources.
 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein thefirst plurality of processing tasks identifies a sequence of processingtasks, and wherein prompting, by the job management computing system,the execution of the first plurality of processing tasks comprises:prompting each of the first plurality of processing tasks to besequentially completed based on the identified sequence.
 4. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein determining, by the jobmanagement computing system, that the first job type is the same as thesecond job type is based on a naming convention of an associatedelectronic file.
 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, whereinexecuting, by the job management computing system, the first pluralityof processing tasks and the second plurality of processing taskscomprises: delaying the execution of the second plurality of processingtasks until after a completion of the first plurality of processingtasks; and monitoring a status of the first plurality of processingtasks.
 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, comprising:monitoring, by the job management computer, a status of the secondplurality of processing tasks during the monitoring of the status of thefirst plurality of processing tasks.
 7. The computer-implemented methodof claim 1, wherein the one or more changes are made to one or moretemporal parameters of the set of parameters.
 8. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the one or moreprocessing resources in common include one or more processing resourcesshared between the first allocation of processing resources associatedwith the first job and the second allocation of processing resourcesassociated with the second job.
 9. A job management computing system,the job management computing system comprising a non-transitory computerreadable medium having instructions stored thereon which when executedby at least one processor cause the at least one processor to execute amethod comprising: receiving, by the job management computing system, anindication of a first plurality of processing tasks associated with afirst job of a first job type; receiving, by the job managementcomputing system, an indication to initiate the first job of the firstjob type; receiving, by the job management computing system, a firstplurality of parameters associated with the first job; prompting, by thejob management computing system, execution of the first plurality ofprocessing tasks; receiving, by the job management computing system, anindication of a second plurality of processing tasks associated with asecond job of a second job type; receiving, by the job managementcomputing system, an indication to initiate the second job of the secondjob type; receiving, by the job management computing system, a secondplurality of parameters associated with the second job; determining, bythe job management computing system, that the first job type is the sameas the second job type; displaying an edit control feature of the jobmanagement computing system, the edit control feature indicating one ormore of: the first job of the first job type, the second job of thesecond job type, the first plurality of parameters, the second pluralityof parameters, a first allocation of processing resources associatedwith the first job, and a second allocation of processing resourcesassociated with the second job; receiving, from the edit controlfeature, one or more changes to a set of parameters comprising the firstplurality of parameters and the second plurality of parameters, whereinthe one or more changes remove one or more processing resources incommon; and upon receiving the one or more changes to the set ofparameters, executing, by the job management computing system, the firstplurality of processing tasks and the second plurality of processingtasks.
 10. The job management computing system of claim 9, wherein thefirst plurality of processing tasks comprises a first processing task, asecond processing task, and a third processing task, wherein prompting,by the job management computing system, the execution of the firstplurality of processing tasks comprises: prompting one of the firstprocessing task, the second processing task, and the third processingtask to be executed based on a real-time availability of processingresources.
 11. The job management computing system of claim 9, whereinthe first plurality of processing tasks identifies a sequence ofprocessing tasks, and wherein prompting, by the job management computingsystem, the execution of the first plurality of processing taskscomprises: prompting each of the first plurality of processing tasks tobe sequentially completed based on the identified sequence.
 12. The jobmanagement computing system of claim 9, wherein executing, by the jobmanagement computing system, the first plurality of processing tasks andthe second plurality of processing tasks comprises: delaying theexecution of the second plurality of processing tasks until after acompletion of the first plurality of processing tasks; and monitoring astatus of the first plurality of processing tasks.
 13. The jobmanagement computing system of claim 12, wherein the method furthercomprises: monitoring, by the job management computing system, a statusof the second plurality of processing tasks during the monitoring of thestatus of the first plurality of processing tasks.
 14. The jobmanagement computing system of claim 9, wherein the one or more changesare made to one or more temporal parameters of the set of parameters.15. The job management computing system of claim 9, wherein determiningthat the first job type is the same as the second job type is based on anaming convention of an associated electronic file.
 16. The jobmanagement computing system of claim 9, wherein the one or moreprocessing resources in common include one or more processing resourcesshared between the first allocation of processing resources associatedwith the first job and the second allocation of processing resourcesassociated with the second job.
 17. A non-transitory computer readablemedium comprising instructions stored thereon, wherein the instructions,when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least oneprocessor to perform a method comprising: receiving, by a job managementcomputing system, an indication of a first plurality of processing tasksassociated with a first job of a first job type; receiving, by the jobmanagement computing system, an indication to initiate the first job ofthe first job type; receiving, by the job management computing system, afirst plurality of parameters associated with the first job; prompting,by the job management computing system, execution of the first pluralityof processing tasks; receiving, by the job management computing system,an indication of a second plurality of processing tasks associated witha second job of a second job type; receiving, by the job managementcomputing system, an indication to initiate the second job of the secondjob type; receiving, by the job management computing system, a secondplurality of parameters associated with the second job; determining, bythe job management computing system, that the first job type is the sameas the second job type; displaying an edit control feature of the jobmanagement computing system, the edit control feature indicating one ormore of: the first job of the first job type, the second job of thesecond job type, the first plurality of parameters, the second pluralityof parameters, a first allocation of processing resources associatedwith the first job, and a second allocation of processing resourcesassociated with the second job; receiving, from the edit controlfeature, one or more changes to a set of parameters comprising the firstplurality of parameters and the second plurality of parameters, whereinthe one or more changes remove one or more processing resources incommon; and upon receiving the one or more changes to the set ofparameters, executing, by the job management computing system, the firstplurality of processing tasks and the second plurality of processingtasks.
 18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17,wherein the first plurality of processing tasks identifies a sequence ofprocessing tasks, and wherein prompting, by the job management computingsystem, the execution of the first plurality of processing taskscomprises: prompting each of the first plurality of processing tasks tobe sequentially completed based on the identified sequence.
 19. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17, wherein the one ormore changes are made to one or more temporal parameters of the set ofparameters.
 20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17,wherein the one or more processing resources in common include one ormore processing resources shared between the first allocation ofprocessing resources associated with the first job and the secondallocation of processing resources associated with the second job.